Entertainment Capital of the World
Fabulous Las Vegas. The Strip is approximately 4.2 miles in length, scenic with its neon lights at night. On this stretch of road, some of the world’s largest hotel, casino, and resort properties are located. For people who work on the Strip, or for tourists breezing through for a visit, the vibrant entertainment of Las Vegas engages all of the senses. The lights are bright, the food is delicious, and the sound? Well – they’re pretty loud!
How Loud is Too Loud?
Hearing specialists believe that 85 decibels for eight hours has the potential to damage our hearing.
To compare, a normal conversation is about 60 decibels, while the blast of a jet engine is around 120 decibels. At 140 decibels, the jet engine has the potential to permanently damage your hearing in a single event. On the decibel scale, the loudest that can occur is 194 decibels.
Live Performances
A major attraction of Las Vegas is live performances. Over the course of the Strip’s history, countless brilliant artists have graced the stages, from Elvis to Sammy Davis, Jr. to Frank Sinatra to Mariah Carey to Cher to Olivia Newton John. On any night of the week, you’ll find dozens of live performances, whether in small lounges to large venues.
Most live music performances clock in at approximately 120 decibels, on average. Live music peaks at around 150 decibels – which, if you recall, is louder than the takeoff of a jet. However, it’s not just the audience that is exposed to dangerous levels of noise.
Staff members of clubs and venues also experience these sounds, and as such, should consider acquiring custom ear protection if they do not have it. Bar staff, servers, and bussers all experience between 89 and 102 decibels during their shift. DJs, lighting technicians, and security personnel experience between 93 and 104 decibels a night.
Coincidentally, 94 to 104 decibels is the average you might hear on the dance floor.
Casino Floors
Casinos are designed to keep people engaged, with the lights and the noise. Even if you don’t hit the jackpot and get that victorious siren, your ears are exposed to consistent noise the entire time you are in a casino. Unless you leave, you can’t escape it. According to Electronic Contractor Magazine, “Typically, casino floors with slot machines and high density gaming tables will have ambient noise levels in the neighborhood of 85 dB.” This is the exact decibel range that hearing specialists believe may lead to permanent hearing damage, even if after just eight hours of exposure. People who work on the casino floor or are trying their luck at the slots should keep in mind that protective ear plugs may help save their hearing.
Preserve Your Hearing
Long term exposure to loud sounds may lead to hearing loss. If you are experiencing changes in your hearing and believe it may be due to exposure to noise, contact us. At Desert Valley Audiology, we offer custom hearing protection for people who are exposed to highly noisy environments, whether on the job or on vacation.